Compare 3/16 and 14/42
3/16 is smaller than 14/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
3/16 = 3 × 21/16 × 21 = 63/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
14/42 = 14 × 8/42 × 8 = 112/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/336 < 112/336 or 3/16 < 14/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/16 and 14/42 3/16 and 28/42 3/32 and 14/42 3/16 and 14/84 9/16 and 14/42 3/48 and 14/42 15/16 and 14/42 3/16 and 70/42 3/80 and 14/42 21/16 and 14/42 3/16 and 98/42